Harmful Organisms Research Articles

Investigation and evaluation of risk of pathogen transfer by ballast water in Shahid Rajaee Port, Hormozgan Province, Iran.

Ballast water is essential for ship operations, but can also transport harmful organisms between ports, threatening local environments. The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requires ships to implement ballast water management measures to address this issue. In this study, ballast water samples were collected from ships entering Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran before and after the Ballast Water Management Convention came into force in 2017. The sampling was conducted in coordination with Iranian authorities, following IMO guidelines. Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Enterococci were identified in 97 ships, and physical parameters such as temperature, salinity, and pH were measured in 15 ships. To prevent sample contamination, rigorous protocols were followed, including using sterile equipment, appropriate storage, and immediate transfer to the lab. The results showed that before the BWM Convention, V. cholerae was found in 6 out of 14 ships (42%), with ballast water retention times of 2-58days. After the convention, V. cholerae was found in only 2 out of 83 ships (2.4%), with ballast water retention of 2-3days. This indicates a significant reduction in the risk of pathogen transfer through ballast water. Further analysis after the Convention showed that V. cholerae was initially detected in 4 out of 15 ships, but only 1 ship (6.6%) had levels above the standard. E. coli and Enterococci were also detected in multiple ships, but their levels were below the standard. The study investigated the relationship between the bacterial levels and the physical parameters. While some correlations were found between E. coli/Enterococci and parameters like pH, temperature, salinity, and water retention time, no significant impact of physical parameters on V. cholerae levels was observed. T-tests revealed significant relationships between the bacterial levels and the physical parameters, as well as the ballast water retention time. Ships were found to have followed the ballast water exchange guidelines of exchanging at least 200 or 50 nautical miles from shore and at depths over 200m, as mapped out for the Persian Gulf region. The results indicate that the implementation of the BWM Convention has been effective in reducing the risk of pathogen transfer through ballast water. However, the study emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and enforcement to ensure continued compliance with the convention's requirements.

Investigation of The Effects of Extraction Polarity Change on the Bioactivity of Eruca Vesicaria

Eruca vesicaria (arugula) plant is frequently used today as a daily food source that contains a rich variety of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C. It also contains a high percentage of phenolic compounds which are structures that plants develop to protect themselves from harmful organisms. Phenolic compounds found in plants are obtained by different extraction methods and have a high antioxidant effect. In this study, we report, anticancer activity extract from Eruca vesicaria against human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) in vitro. The phenolic substances contained in the plant were obtained in different concentrations by the extraction technique based on the polarity difference. HPLC and total phenol content were determined to perform extraction content analysis. According to in vitro MTT cell proliferation assay, it acted at high concentrations, regardless of polarity differences. The highest cytotoxic effect was observed in extract extracted with 50% ethanol concentration. It has been observed that it has an anticancer effect compared to the determination of total phenol content. Also, as a result of 24-hour MIC analysis, it shows antibacterial properties according to agent concentration. As a result of this study, it adds many new information to the literature, but also provides guidance for future research.

Measures to protect hemp from harmful organisms

Relevance. When cultivating seed hemp, comprehensive crop protection is necessary throughout the entire development cycle “from seed to seed”. A comprehensive system of environmentally oriented protective equipment during pre-sowing and foliar treatment of seeds and plants can provide a favorable phytosanitary environment.Methods. The research work was carried out in accordance with the methodological guidelines for conducting field and vegetation experiments with cannabis and the methodology of field experience with the basics of statistical processing of research results.Results. Etching with the insectofungicide “Celest Top, KS” in pure form and in tank mixtures showed a high degree of protection of seeds from infection during germination. The use of “Celest Top, KS” in its pure form and in combination with the growth regulator “Artafit, VRK” and the liquid fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” is most effective against hemp fleas. Etching “Artafit, VRK”, “Celest Top, KS” and mixtures with the fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” and foliar top dressing with the antistressant “Artafit, VRK” contributed to an increase in the indicators of the crop structure. A high yield of seeds and stems was obtained on variants with the “Megamix. Seeds” fertilizer, the increase in seed yield was 0.03 t /ha, stems — 0.16 t /ha relative to the control. The use of the fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” together with the growth regulator “Artafit, VRK” and the insectofungicide “Celest Top, KS” increased the yield of seeds by 0.28 and 0.17 t/ha, the yield of stems by 2.2 and 3.32 t/ha.

Accumulation of nanoplastics by wheat seedling roots: Both passive and energy-consuming processes

Nanoplastics can transfer from the environment to plants and potentially harm organisms. However, the mechanisms on how crop root systems absorb and transport nanoplastics are still unclear. Here, original and fluorescent labeled polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride nanoparticles (PS-NPs, PVC-NPs; 30 nm; 10 mg L−1) were employed to study the distribution and internalization pathways in wheat seedling roots. In the study, nanoplastics accumulated more in the root tip and surface, with PVC-NPs more prevalent than PS-NPs. After being treated with inhibitors (Na3VO4, chlorpromazine and amiloride), the nanoplastics mean fluorescence intensities were reduced by 4.0–51.1 %. During the uptake, both passive and energy-consuming pathways occurred. For the energy-consuming uptake pathway, macropinocytosis contributed more to cytoplasm than clathrin-mediated endocytosis. H+ influx was observed during nanoplastic transport into the cytoplasm, and the reduction in plasma membrane ATPase activity led to a decrease in nanoplastic internalization. These results elucidate the pathways of nanoplastics absorption and transport in wheat roots, provide crucial evidence for assessing nanoplastics' ecological risks and support the development of technologies to block nanoplastics absorption by crop roots, ensuring agricultural and ecosystem safety.

Exploring the sorption/desorption of nitenpyram in loess soils: implications for neonicotinoid fate and ecological risk assessment.

Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides that accumulate in various environmental matrixes and potentially harm non-target organisms. However, the mechanism of sorption/desorption of neonicotinoids in different loess soils remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the sorption/desorption of nitenpyram (NIT), a commonly used neonicotinoid, in three different types of loess soils and examined factors influencing the adsorption process using batch experiments. The findings revealed that NIT reached adsorption equilibrium in 4h in all three loess soil samples. The R2 value (> 0.898) obtained from fitting the sorption/desorption kinetics indicated a good match with the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting the involvement of multiple mechanisms, including chemisorption. The linear and Freundlich models also adequately described the sorption of NIT in loess soils. Additionally, a clear hysteresis phenomenon was observed. The adsorption capacity of NIT is significantly related to the adsorption temperature, solution pH and ionic strength. Upon increasing the initial concentration, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of NIT for gray-cinnamon soil, sierozem, and cultivated loessial soil increased from 3.56, 2.51, and 2.64mg/kg to 8.49, 3.92, and 5.22mg/kg, respectively. FTIR spectral analysis revealed that the adsorption of NIT in loess soil was primarily governed by mixed mechanism. This study elucidates the behavior and fate of NIT in soil-water systems in the Northwest, while also establishing a foundation for assessing its ecological risks. The findings have significant practical implications for the future development of environmental management and pollution control strategies.

Effects of plant protection products on ecosystem functions provided by terrestrial invertebrates.

Plant protection products (PPP) are extensively used to protect plants against harmful organisms, but they also have unintended effects on non-target organisms, especially terrestrial invertebrates. The impact of PPP on ecosystem functions provided by these non-target invertebrates remains, however, unclear. The objectives of this article were to review PPP impacts on the ecosystem functions provided by pollinators, predators and parasitoids, and soil organisms, and to identify the factors that aggravate or mitigate PPP effects. The literature highlights that PPP alter several ecosystem functions: provision and maintenance of biodiversity, pollination, biotic interactions and habitat completeness in terrestrial ecosystems, and organic matter and soil structure dynamics. However, there are still a few studies dealing with ecosystem functions, with sometimes contradictory results, and consequences on agricultural provisioning services remain unclear. The model organisms used to assess PPP ecotoxicological effects are still limited, and should be expanded to better cover the wide functional diversity of terrestrial invertebrates. Data are lacking on PPP sublethal, transgenerational, and "cocktail" effects, and on their multitrophic consequences. In empirical assessments, studies on PPP unintended effects should consider agricultural-pedoclimatic contexts because they influence the responses of non-target organisms and associated ecosystem functions to PPP. Modeling might be a promising way to account for the complex interactions among PPP mixtures, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning.

Early warning system on harmful aquatic organisms at a regional sea scale: Components and mechanisms

The introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) via the ballast water of ships can endanger human health, the environment, economic resource-related systems, as well as impair biological diversity. Early warning systems (EWS) are highly effective instruments for mitigating risks and enhancing readiness in the face of potential disasters, including those resulting from HAOP. The establishment of a regional EWS for the identification and notification of harmful organisms is a complex marine policy process involving communication with stakeholders, technical development, engagement of regional knowledge, and, ultimately, harmonization between key authorities and Participating States. The purpose of EWS is to promptly communicate the findings of HAOP to the appropriate stakeholders, such as government agencies and commercial companies. The paper elucidates in detail the criteria and procedure for developing a regionally standardized EWS, including its mechanism, the technical information platform that is required, and the obligations of EWS data providers. It also discusses the decision-making process for issuing alerts and identifies the intended recipients of the warning signals. The system has been operational in the Baltic Sea region for over two years, and the knowledge and insights gathered during its development may prove beneficial in other areas as well.

Interactions between plant parasitic nematodes and other harmful organisms

Interactions between plant parasitic nematodes and other harmful organisms

Spread of quarantine plant pests in Ukraine

Goal. Of article is analyse of spreading dynamics of insect species with the quarantine status for Ukraine territory based on data of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Methods. The work used official data on the distribution of plant quarantine organisms, which were interpreted using the analytical and comparative method of research. Results. The development of insect species with status of locally presented (list A-2 of the List of regulated harmful organisms) and species with status of absent (list A-1) in Ukraine was detected during 2015—2023. By data of State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the areal of American white moth, western corn rootworm and South American tomato moth have increased, while the spreading area of potato moth, and western flower thrips have decreased. These species have status of locally presented in Ukraine. The Mediterranean fruit fly belongs to list A-1, but its spreading area was detected in Odessa region during 2015—2023, and from 2022, some increase of spreading was noted. State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection fixes the increasing of tobacco whitefly (list A-1) area. The rapid spread of emerald ash borer are noted in Ukraine from 2019, and brown marmorated stink bug are presented in Ukraine in 2023. Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis of the distribution of quarantine insect species, an increase in the areas inhabited by American white moth, western corn rootworm, South American tomato moth, Mediterranean fruit fly, tobacco whitefly, as well as the appearance of the previously absent emerald ash borer and brown marmorated stink bug on the territory of Ukraine were established. In order to prevent the spread of quarantine pests, business entities whose activities may contribute to the spread of quarantine organisms must strictly adhere to the state policy in the field of plant quarantine.

Species composition of phytophages on ornamental plants

Goal. Monitoring the phytosanitary status and determining the species composition of phytophages on decorative coniferous and deciduous plants. Methods. Field — determination of the species composition of pests and the dynamics of the number of main species; laboratory — determination of pests selected on experimental plots. Research was conducted in accordance with generally accepted methods in entomology and plant protection. Results. In the industrial plant nursery of open soil «Megaplant» located in the Kyiv region, Fastiv district, village The monitoring of the phytosanitary state of ornamental plant plantations was carried out in Trilys. The natural saturation of harmful organisms and the level of their harmfulness were studied. Conclusions. It has been established that plants in industrial nurseries in open ground are damaged by a large number of insects and mites. The most dangerous and widespread on conifer ornamental plants were 8 pests from the following families coccids (Coccidae), bark beetles (Scolytidae), adelgids (Adelgidae), snout beetles (Curculionidae) and spider mites (Tetranychidae); 9 most harmful species from the following families were noted on decorative leafy plants: crambid Snout Moths (Crambidae), mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and аrmored scales or diaspidids (Diaspididae), eriophyidae mites (Eriophyidae), aphids (Aphididae), snout beetles (Curculionidae), scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae).

Design of a double-layered material as a long-acting moisturizing hydrogel-elastomer and its application in the field protection of elephant ivories excavated from the Sanxingdui Ruins.

The sudden change in the environment from a dark, low-oxygen, low-temperature, high-humidity underground stable environment to an environment with much-improved temperature and humidity, a high oxygen content, enhanced light exposure, and increased harmful organisms has greatly affected the stability of the ivory unearthed from the Sanxingdui site. Therefore, the implementation of an effective emergency protection strategy for ivory excavated at Sanxingdui is imperative and urgently needed. However, the current gauze technique used at many archaeological sites suffers from short timescales, poor transparency of the material, and susceptibility to reverse osmosis of the ivory. Therefore, in this study, a transparent poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid) (P(AM-AA)) hydrogel-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer bilayer was designed for the effective protection of excavated ivory. In this system, a hydrophobic PDMS elastomer was constructed on the surface of the hydrogel by the introduction of a silane coupling agent to inhibit the loss of water from the hydrogel to the external environment, thus prolonging the preservation of ivory by the protective material. The covalent interface between the hydrogel and the elastomer allowed the double-layer composite to exhibit excellent interfacial bonding. In addition, the double-layer material demonstrated a high mechanical strength of 1.2 MPa and a water binding ratio of ∼31%, which allowed it to form strong hydrogen bonds with the silanol structure. When the hydrogel was placed in an air environment (temperature: 25 °C; relative humidity: 65% RH), the water-retention rate of the double-layer material was still more than 60% after 5 days, thus the double-layer material showed excellent performance. Meanwhile, the double-layer material had a transmittance of more than 90% and exhibited a high degree of transparency, which makes it possible to promptly observe the changes occurring on the surface of the ivory. The combination of the aforementioned properties makes the bilayer a promising material for moisturizing and protecting excavated ivory in situ. Based on these properties, we used the prepared P(AM-AA)/PDMS double-layer material directly for wrapping the K8 ivory with the highest water content at Sanxingdui. The weight retention rate of the ivory was around 70% after 50 days of placement (temperature: 25 °C; relative humidity: 60% RH), the macroscopic morphology did not change significantly and the mechanical properties of the wrapped ivory were basically unchanged, which indicated that the double-layer material has an excellent on-site protection effect on the ivory excavated from Sanxingdui. This work provides new ideas and methods for the temporary conservation of wet heritage.

Assessment of raw and produced water quality at Al-Doura water treatment plant

Abstract The population growth rate has increased rapidly in recent years so there is an obligation to evaluate the productivity of produced water (PW) by investigating the operation of the Water treatment plant (WTP). WTP’s primary goal is to remove and destroy harmful organisms from contaminated water to make it safe for human consumption. The quality of PW depends on the performance of WTP. This study aims to assess the removal efficiency of Al-Doura WTP in Baghdad City/Iraq and ensure that the drinking water quality meets the drinking water standards. Twenty-two water quality parameters are analysed over four years (from January 2020 to December 2023). The samples of raw water are collected from the Tigris River at the intake of the WTP, while the PW samples are collected at the final stage where the water undergoes treatment before being distributed to the consumers through the network. The measured parameters are Temperature, Turbidity, Alkalinity as CaCO3, Total Hardness as CaCO3, Calcium as Ca, Chloride as Cl, Magnesium as Mg, pH, Colour, Electrical Conductivity EC, Free chlorine (Residual chlorine), Sulphate as SO4, Total dissolved solids, Suspended solids, Iron as Fe, Fluoride as F, Aluminium as AL, Nitrite as NO2, Nitrate as NO3, Ammonia as NH3, Silica as Sio2, and Orthophosphate as PO4. In this study, special focus is concerned with some of these water quality parameters, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity EC, and Turbidity. The analysis is sub-categorized into winter and summer seasons. The SPSS software is used to analyse the data. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the temperature of raw water and that of the produced water, and the pH values indicate slight alkalinity for raw water in both seasons. Electrical conductivity Ec values for both raw and produced water are found always greater in winter than in summer. The turbidity is found to satisfy the permissible limits for both the Iraqi and World Health Organisation standards (Turbidity < 5 NTU). The drinking water produced from the Al-Doura water treatment plant is found to be within Iraqi and WHO standards, The high difference in turbidity concentration before and after treatment and the removal efficiency excellent value of close to 98% indicates that the plant is highly effective and reflects the effective process of Al-Doura WTP in removing particulate matter and improving water clarity. The Pearson, correlation analysis results indicate a strong (positive, and negative) correlation in the relationship among some parameters reported in this article.

Development of parasite complexes in the ecosystem of the rose garden of the main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The article reports on studies (2011-2022) monitoring harmful organisms in the ecosystem of the rose garden of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The studies yielded data on the detection of pathogens and pests, as well as the phenotypic manifestation of pathologies and lesions. A total of 21 species of pathogens and 16 species of phytophages were identified. The species composition of harmful organisms in the ecosystem of the rose garden was defined. It is shown that at the initial stage (2011- 2013) of ecosystem establishment, no external signs of viral diseases were observed, and a low level of fungal infections was noted. The development of such harmful pathogens as Peronospora sparsa Jacz., Sphaerotheca pannosa Lev., Phragmidium disciflorum James, and Ph. tuberculatum Mull. was controlled by culling plants of susceptible varieties. The predominant pathogens included Marssonina rosae (Lib.) Died., Phyllosticta rosae Desm., and Septoria rosae Desm., and the susceptibility of specific varieties to these pathogens was established. The populations of pathogens causing spot anthracnose (Sphaceloma rosarum Pass.), ascochyta leaf spot (Ascochyta rosicola Sacc.), and cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora rosicola Pass.) were slightly less common. A wide range of signs of viral infections was identified. Nine viruses belonging to five genera were detected. The frequency of their occurrence was analyzed, and the most common viruses were identified: Prunus necrotic ring spot ilarvirus, Apple mosaic ilarvirus, Tobacco ring spot nepovirus, and Arabis mosaic nepovirus. The species diversity of phytophages was noted: leaf beetles, snout beetles, leafroller moths, sawflies, blossom weevils, earwigs, moths, leafhoppers, aphids, and true bugs. It was found that damage to plants by a range of pests reached only an average level, except for individual varieties (Red Blanket and Prosperity). In general, the phytosanitary assessment of the rose gene pool of the garden according to the phytosanitary monitoring and integrated detection revealed a wide range of parasite complexes: fourteen types of pathogenic complexes, four types of entomological complexes, and five types of entomopathogenic complexes. The tactical and basic directions for control of harmful organisms in the ecosystem of the rose garden are discussed.

Co/Ni/Cu-NH2BDC MOF@natural Egyptian zeolite ore nanocomposite for calcium ion removal in water softening applications.

Water softening is a treatment process required to remove calcium (Ca(II)) and magnesium (Mg(II)) cations from water streams. Nanocomposites can provide solutions for such multiple challenges and have high performance and low application costs. In this work, a multimetallic cobalt, nickel, and copper 2-aminoterephthalic acid metal-organic framework ((Co/Ni/Cu-NH2BDC) MOF) was synthesized by a simple solvothermal technique. This MOF was supported on an Egyptian natural zeolite ore and was used for the adsorption of Ca(II) ions for water-softening applications. The adsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and zeta potential measurements. The adsorption isotherm data for the prepared adsorbent toward Ca(II) were best fit using the Redlich-Peterson model and showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 88.1 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics revealed an equilibrium time of 10 min, which was best fit using the Avrami model. The intermolecular interactions of Ca(II) ions with zeolite and MOF were investigated by Monte Carlo simulations, molecular dynamics simulations, and FTIR and XRD analyses. The adsorption sites in the zeolite structure were oxygen atoms, while those in the MOF structure were amine nitrogen atoms. The Ca(II) ions are coordinated with the solvent molecules in both structures. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity of this nanocomposite was assessed, revealing viability levels of 74.57 ± 2.1% and 21 ± 2.79% for Vero and African green monkey kidney and human liver (HepG2) cells, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays help assess the environmental impact of these materials, ensuring that they do not harm aquatic organisms or disrupt ecosystems. Thus, this study demonstrated the valorization of MOF/zeolite as a valuable and industry-ready adsorbent that can appropriate Ca(II) contaminants from aqueous streams.

Screening the Potential f Fungal Derived Bioherbicide in Weed Management

Synthetic herbicides have long been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, providing effective weed control but often at significant environmental and health costs. These chemicals can persist in the environment, leach into groundwater, and harm non-target organisms, including humans. Additionally, the overuse of synthetic herbicides has led to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, further complicating weed management strategies. In response to these challenges, researchers and farmers alike are increasingly turning to bioherbicides derived from fungi as a sustainable alternative. Fungal bioherbicides harness the natural antagonistic properties of fungi to target weeds. Unlike synthetic herbicides, which are chemically synthesized and often broad-spectrum in action, fungal bioherbicides utilize either the fungi themselves as pathogens or their metabolites to disrupt weed growth. This approach offers several distinct advantages:Target Specificity: Fungal bioherbicides can be highly specific to certain weed species or even to specific stages of weed growth. This specificity reduces collateral damage to non-target plants and organisms, making them particularly suitable for environmentally sensitive areas such as organic farms, riparian zones, and protected ecosystems. Environmental Friendliness: Unlike synthetic herbicides that can persist in the environment and accumulate in soil and water bodies, fungal bioherbicides generally have lower persistence. They degrade more rapidly and often have minimal impact on non-target organisms, thereby preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health. Reduced Risk of Resistance: Synthetic herbicides often face the challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds, which evolve due to continuous and widespread use. Fungal bioherbicides, by contrast, pose a lower risk of resistance development. This is because they typically act through multiple modes of action or biochemical pathways within the weed, making it harder for weeds to develop resistance mechanisms. Research into fungal-derived bioherbicides is actively exploring and harnessing these advantages. Scientists are screening diverse fungal species to identify potent pathogens or metabolites that effectively inhibit weed growth. Moreover, advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering allow for the enhancement of fungal strains to optimize their bioherbicidal properties while ensuring safety and efficacy. One promising example is the use of fungal pathogens like Phomamacrostoma and Colletotrichum truncatum, which have demonstrated efficacy against various weed species including common agricultural weeds like velvetleaf and pigweed. These fungi infect weeds through mechanisms such as spore attachment, penetration of plant tissues, and secretion of phytotoxic metabolites that inhibit weed growth. In addition to their direct impact on weed management, fungal bioherbicides contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. They align with principles of integrated pest management (IPM) by offering a biological control method that complements cultural and mechanical weed control strategies. Moving forward, continued research and development efforts are essential to refine fungal bioherbicides, optimize application techniques, and expand their practical use in diverse agricultural settings. Challenges such as formulation stability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approvals also need to be addressed to facilitate widespread adoption by farmers.

Characterization of low-pressure gaseous plasma radiation and its usage for inactivation of waterborne viruses

Water disinfection is a critical treatment step for removing harmful organisms from contaminated water sources. Vacuum ultra-violet (V-UV) radiation, generated by a low-pressure gaseous plasma discharge, consists of photons with high enough energy to break molecular bonds. In this work, we constructed and characterized a low-pressure capacitively coupled gaseous plasma and used it as a V-UV radiation source to inactivate MS2 bacteriophage, a surrogate for human enteric viruses. The treatment system allows for variation of gas composition inside the sample chamber and the modulation of V-UV radiation intensity. Both were used to separate the actual germicidal contribution of V-UV radiation from producing germicidal species by using virus inactivation to determine efficiency. OH* radical production was determined through the terephthalic acid chemical probe, which showed that when air was present in the sample chamber, it resulted in the highest OH* production and the best inactivation of MS2. Furthermore, we showcase that the OH* production rate was wavelength dependent and that ozone, generated by plasma treatment in the gas phase, leads to hydroxy terephthalic acid degradation, allowing us to determine better the actual OH* production rate with different treatment regimes. Lastly, by adding an OH* scavenger to the liquid, we were able to elucidate it as the primary inactivation agent in this setup while also providing evidence of its production in the bulk liquid by the transport and subsequent decomposition of the longer-lasting ozone molecule. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the applicability of low-pressure plasma radiation as a water treatment method.

Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria in Pasteurized Powdered Milk Sold in Ogun, Lagos and Oyo, Southwest, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study provides novel insights into the bacteriological quality of powdered milk sold in Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo, Southwest Nigeria, by isolating and identifying bacterial species through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluating their antibiotic resistance profiles. The research highlights the detection of potentially harmful bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus, indicating issues related to inadequate storage or sanitation practices in the milk supply chain. These findings underscore the importance of rigorous microbial monitoring and improved hygiene standards to ensure the safety and extended shelf life of powdered milk products. Full Abstract Milk is a nutritious beverage enjoyed by people of all ages, but it also provides an ideal environment for the growth of various microorganisms. This study aimed to isolate and identify the bacteriological quality of powdered milk sold in Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo, Southwest Nigeria. Three samples from each of five different brands were analyzed by homogenizing 1g of each milk sample with 10ml of nutritional broth, followed by overnight incubation at 37°C. Subsequently, the bacteria were plated on nutrient agar, Mac-Conkey, and EMB, with further characterization through partial sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The detected species were then evaluated against antibiotics including Acyclovir, Cefotaxime, Augmentin, Cefuroxime, Gentamicin, Erythromycin, Ofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Nalidixic acid, and Azithromycin. The molecular testing revealed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Brevibacillus agri, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and Bacillus thuringiensis as the identified bacterial species. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited sensitivity to Gentamicin and Cefuroxime, with Nitrofurantoin showing the highest sensitivity at 80.0%. Brevibacillus agri (LATC3) demonstrated sensitivity to Cefuroxime and Gentamicin, with a higher sensitivity of 55.00% to Gentamicin. Bacillus cereus (LAKG2 and LAC2) showed higher responsiveness to Ceftriaxone compared to Ofloxacin, Cefotaxime, Augmentin, Acyclovir, and Levofloxacin. These findings indicate the presence of potentially harmful organisms in the microbial populations of pasteurized milk, suggesting inadequate storage practices or insufficient sanitation of facilities and equipment post-production and packaging. Therefore, monitoring the microbial quality of pasteurized milk is essential to ensure safety and extend its shelf life.

Biocontrol agent amendments shape the soybean rhizosphere in a cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) conducive soil over a two-year field trial

Plant-associated beneficial microorganisms play a vital role in promoting plant health, fitness, and disease suppression, leading to improved plant growth and protection against specific plant parasites. Microbial amendments may reduce nematode parasite populations and ensure plant yield, yet their long-term impact on the native plant microbiome under field conditions is not well understood. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of biocontrol products against soybean cyst nematode (SCN) using two application methods over a two-year period under field conditions. Pochonia chlamydosporia PC10 (Rizotec), Bacillus methylotrophicus UFPEDA 20 (Onix), and Trichoderma koningiopsis GF 362 were applied either through seed inoculation or in-furrow treatment at planting. The treatments effectively reduced the nematode population, with T. koningiopsis showing significant deviations from the control and leading to a notable increase in yield. No difference in the Shannon diversity index was detected for the alpha-diversity of root-associated 16S, ITS2, and 18S communities. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria for 16S; Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota for ITS2; and Ascomycota, and Cercozoa for 18S. In the 16S community, T. koningiopsis and B. methylotrophicus caused a 25 % increase in the relative abundance of Sphingomonas spp. compared to the control. Additionally, the relative abundance of Mortierella spp. significantly increased by 50 % in both the T. koningiopsis and B. methylotrophicus treatments compared to the control. Both treatments also led to a significant reduction in Fusarium spp. by 37.5 % and 31.5 %, respectively. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that communities were disrupted after the first application, but grew more intricate and cohesive after the second year of biocontrol product amendment. T. koningiopsis and B. methylotrophicus demonstrated potential in reducing nematode and Fusarium populations, leading to increased yield production. However, under high nematode pressure, relying solely on biocontrol measures does not guarantee a reduction in SCN population or yield improvement. Manipulating the microbial community to reduce harmful organisms and promote biocontrol-related species may offer long-term benefits.

Search for biocontrol agents among endophytic lipopeptide-synthesizing bacteria Bacillus spp. to protect wheat plants against Greenbug aphid (Schizaphis graminum).

Beneficial endophytic bacteria can suppress the development of insect pests through direct antagonism, with the help of metabolites, or indirectly by the induction of systemic resistance through the regulation of hormonal signaling pathways. Lipopeptides are bacterial metabolites that exhibit direct antagonistic activity against many organisms, including insects. Also, lipopeptides are able to trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants against harmful organisms, but the physiological mechanisms of their action are just beginning to be studied. In this work, we studied ten strains of bacteria isolated from the tissues of wheat and potatoes. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that all isolates belong to the genus Bacillus and to two species, B. subtilis and B. velezensis. The genes for lipopeptide synthetase - surfactin synthetase (Bs_srf ), iturin synthetase (Bs_ituA, Bs_ituB) and fengycin synthetase (Bs_fenD) - were identified in all bacterial isolates using PCR. All strains had high aphicidal activity against the Greenbug aphid (Schizaphis graminum Rond.) due to the synthesis of lipopeptides, which was proven using lipopeptide-rich fractions (LRFs) isolated from the strains. Endophytic lipopeptide-synthesizing strains of Bacillus spp. indirectly affected the viability of aphids, the endurance of plants against aphids and triggered ISR in plants, which manifested itself in the regulation of oxidative metabolism and the accumulation of transcripts of the Pr1, Pr2, Pr3, Pr6 and Pr9 genes due to the synthesis of lipopeptides, which was proven using LRF isolated from three strains: B. subtilis 26D, B. subtilis 11VM, and B. thuringiensis B-6066. We have for the first time demonstrated the aphicidal effect of fengycin and the ability of the fengycin-synthesizing strains and isolates, B. subtilis Ttl2, Bacillus sp. Stl7 and B. thuringiensis B-6066, to regulate components of the pro-/antioxidant system of aphid-infested plants. In addition, this work is the first to demonstrate an elicitor role of fengycin in triggering a systemic resistance to S. graminum in wheat plants. We have discovered new promising strains and isolates of endophytes of the genus Bacillus, which may be included in the composition of new biocontrol agents against aphids. One of the criteria for searching for new bacteria active against phloem-feeding insects can be the presence of lipopeptide synthetase genes in the bacterial genome.

Biotechnological achievements in combating pest insects

Climate change, global food security and environmental sustainability have become major challenges over the past decades. The race against the clock, in which humanity finds itself due to the irreversible nature of global warming and the increasing impact of harmful organisms on agricultural crops, which considerably reduce food security and food safety, determines the need to develop and apply biotechnological, ecologically harmless means of maintaining the dynamic balance between phytosanitary agents and useful natural entities. This paper discusses the results recorded in the application of biotechnological methods of production and application of biological means aimed at reducing the impact of harmful insect populations through the application of entomopathogenic microorganisms and genetic methods of combat through sterilization, the cultivation of same-sex and conditionally sterile specimens, the application of technologies genome editing, which changes their genetic background.